How to Eradicate Blackberry Bushes

Blackberries

Eradicating blackberry bushes is a difficult but necessary task in the home landscape as dense thickets may infest your space and the sharp thorns can render livestock injured and severely infected, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. If left uncontrolled, blackberries can quickly overtake large expanses of land. Blackberry bush growth habit is the obstacle in challenge-free control, though persistent attempts and consistent management can produce a blackberry-free home landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicides
• Mower
• Digging tool
• Gardening gloves
• Protective eyewear

Instructions

1. Mow down or cut the blackberry vines to soil level to begin the eradication process by slowing growth. Re-cut vines as often as necessary, as the cutting-back process takes time but is an effective control, according to the Oregon State University Extension.

2. Dig out blackberry bush roots from the ground as a part of the control process but realize that due to the blackberry bush's growth habit, a few small buds that live underground will likely remain and sprout.

3. Combine manual efforts with chemical control, though do not do so at the same time. Mow the blackberry bushes down and wait six months. Apply herbicides with the active ingredient triclopyr or triclopyr with fluroxypyr. Saturate foliage with an application rate of approximately 35 gallons per acre, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

4. Wait six weeks to give the herbicide application time to work effectively on foliage. Mow back, remove and destroy dead blackberry plants.

5. Contact your local county extension agent or a licensed professional for assistance or professional control services when in doubt or for extremely severe blackberry bush growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gardening gloves when handling thorny plants and chemicals to prevent injury. Additionally, wear protective eyewear to avoid chemical contact with eyes when applying herbicides.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Blackberry and Dewberry: Biology and Control
• Oregon State University Extension: Blackberries Take Persistence and Time to Control